The debate over laboratory-grown meat is now heating up in the EU. This controversial technology was also on the agenda during the meeting of EU agriculture ministers on Tuesday. Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig expressed his great skepticism.
Laboratory meat produced using stem cells is not yet available on the plate in the EU, but research is already being done. For example, such meat is already allowed in the US. A group of EU countries around Austria, Italy and France want to start a debate about the possible effects.
In addition to ethical concerns, the possible monopoly position of some food companies and the consequences for traditional livestock farming are also discussed. The European Commission is calling for a public consultation on this subject.
“I don’t think we should become dependent on large international food companies,” said Totschnig. “Ingredients and methods are used here, the impact on the environment, animals and climate is not yet fully known.”
Greenpeace: Plant-based food is the best choice
The environmental organization Greenpeace warns against relying too quickly on laboratory meat as an alternative to the “environmentally harmful status quo”. “But that does not mean that you should hinder or prevent research. “No potentially future-proof approaches should be abandoned – as long as the precautionary principle is respected,” Greenpeace wrote in a press release. Right now, reducing meat consumption and eating more plant-based foods are “clearly the best choice.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
